Autism Associates of New York

Oxygen is our primary source of energy. It is required for the proper operation of all body systems; supporting the immune system, destroying toxic substances and promoting new cell growth. It is vital to our health, physical stamina and endurance to maintain proper oxygen levels in the body. Oxygen displaces deadly, harmful free radicals, neutralizes environmental toxins, and destroys harmful infectious bacteria, parasites, microbes and viruses. Oxygen enhances the body’s absorption of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins and other important nutrients. One of oxygen’s most important functions is that it allows the brain to process information resulting in out ability to think, feel and act, heightening concentration and alertness. It also stabilizes the central nervous system. Without oxygen, brain cells die quickly. Unlike other cells, brain cells cannot regenerate resulting in memory loss, speech impairment and loss of motor skills. As we age, oxygen deficiency tends to increase impairing our ability to learn and retain information.Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) dates back to 1662. It has been implicated in the treatment of many medical conditions. These include wound healing, seizures, gastrointestinal disease, infectious diseases, Lyme disease, migraine syndromes, sleep problems, peripheral vascular disease secondary to diabetes, stroke, brain injury, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, autism and autistic spectrum disorders. The increase in blood flow has been documented using SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) Scan studies. SPECT helps identify parts of the brain that are dormant due to lack of oxygen. The SPECT scans objectively confirmed and increase in blood flow and increase in oxygen to affected areas of the brain. Some diseases and conditions impair oxygen utilization or cut off blood circulation. The pressurized environment of the HBOT chamber allows more oxygen to be utilized. This treatment is not meant as a cure but as a therapeutic adjunct to other medical modalities.The autism community has recently witnessed an increase in interest for HBOT. Many DAN! (Defeat Autism Now!) practitioners have noticed dramatic improvements in the lives of their patients whom had previously seen relatively minor changes in their autistic symptoms. These changes have been statistically significant based on scores in Aberrant Behavior Checklists and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). The types of behaviors affected have been language, sleep, eye contact and interactive play, cognitive awareness and overall health and physical behavior. Some have noticed improvement in gastrointestinal function with healing of ulcerations in gastric, esophageal and intestinal mucosa, decreased gas and decreased intestinal obstruction. This is not a “magic bullet.” As brain cells become revitalized with increased oxygen, they still have to be trained to do what they were designed to do. Thus, continuous therapy, nutritional and metabolic support is necessary.The HBOT protocol involves at least 40 sessions. Each session is approximately 45 minutes in duration. At least 3 sessions per week is the minimum recommendation. Follow up sessions are 1 to 2 times per week. Peak results have been observed between 20 and 30 sessions. Treatment should be continued until no further changes have occurred.

The pressurized environment of the soft chamber is set at 1.3 atmospheres. This is described as mild, or ultra-low pressure and is analogous to being under ten feet of water. The therapy helps by increasing blood flow to restricted areas which allows more oxygen to reach tissues, cells and body fluids. Subsequently oxidative stress in reduced. While in the chamber, the pressure is not felt and many patients relax, listen to music, watch a DVD or fall asleep. It has been shown that up to 40 hours of HBOT is effective in most patients. Additional HBOT may be indicated on an individual basis. We have a soft chamber in office for patients. Treatments can be scheduled daytime, evenings and Saturdays for patient and parent convenience.